Meta Platforms removed dozens of advertisements on Facebook and Instagram that promoted fraudulent applications disguised as pornographic services, following an alert from Indian authorities. The company confirmed the removal of the ads, which used sexually explicit thumbnails to entice users into downloading malicious Android applications outside official app stores.
The deceptive advertisements directed users to phishing websites or promised continuous access to pornographic content, requiring the download of an APK file named Movexa.apk. According to India’s cybersecurity advisory, the malicious applications were capable of secretly accessing stored phone data, capturing one-time passwords and bank PINs, and transferring funds without user consent. The apps were designed to steal banking credentials and drain accounts.
Meta’s internal projections estimated that advertising linked to scams and banned goods could account for roughly 10% of the company’s 2024 revenue, equating to about $16 billion. India reported nearly $2.4 billion in cyber-fraud losses for 2025, according to government data. The social media giant stated that its policies prohibit ads containing adult nudity or sexual activity, as well as deceptive practices intended to defraud users.
This action follows a separate incident in which Indian authorities directed Google to suspend hundreds of accounts on its Firebase platform. Criminals had previously used Firebase to impersonate major banks in fraud schemes. The coordinated efforts reflect growing regulatory scrutiny over financial fraud facilitated through digital platforms in India.
